NSF National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NQVL)

Below is a summary assembled by the Research & Innovation Office (RIO). Please see the full solicitation for complete information about the funding opportunity.

Program Summary

With this solicitation, NSF is introducing the National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NQVL) concept as an overarching shared infrastructure designed to facilitate the translation from basic science and engineering to the resultant technology, while at the same time emphasizing and advancing its scientific and technical value. The NQVL aims to develop and utilize use-inspired and application-oriented quantum technologies. In the process, NQVL researchers will explore quantum frontiers, foster QISE workforce education and training, engage in outreach activities at all levels, and promote broadening participation, diversity, equity, and inclusion in QISE, thereby lowering barriers at all entry points of the research enterprise. The engagement of the entire United States (U.S.) QISE community will be necessary for this initiative to succeed, and, indeed, the project is designed to include participation from a full spectrum of organizations who have expertise to contribute. In particular, NSF recognizes that the involvement of industry partners is essential and will welcome these to be a part of the overall structure. Partnerships with other U.S. Federal agencies under the NQI umbrella are also encouraged.

This solicitation lays out a vision for the entire NQVL program that includes Quantum Science and Technology Demonstration (QSTD) projects, support for enabling technologies through Transformative Advances in Quantum Systems (TAQS), as well as a central coordination hub.

This solicitation pertains only to the Pilot phase of the NQVL program and is focused on the development of the conceptual design of the QSTD project. Specifically, the team will:

Refine the science questions;
Define requirements and prioritize research objectives;
Identify enabling technologies and risks;
Identify critical partnerships and dependencies;
Develop top-down cost and contingency estimates;
Formulate initial risk assessment;
Draft ; and
Draft initial Workforce Development Plan.

It is required that prospective PIs contact the NQVL Program Officer(s) as soon as possible, but not later than two weeks before submitting a proposal in response to this solicitation, to ascertain that the focus and budget of their proposal is appropriate for this solicitation. The results of the internal competition will be announced within this two-week window.

Deadlines

�� Internal Deadline: 11:59pm MST March 4, 2024

Sponsor Letter of Intent Deadline: 5:00pm MST April 9, 2024

Sponsor Full Proposal Deadline: 5:00pm MST June 11, 2024

Internal Application Requirements (all in PDF format)

Project Synopsis (max 2,500 characters, including spaces): Upload brief statements of the vision and goals of the proposed QSTD project, its potential for QSTD impact, and an integrated plan for the QSTD project. Include an overview of the research and technology development program, such as major thrust areas, goals, and fundamental gaps or barriers in knowledge/technology that it meets. Although the Community Outreach, Workforce Development, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plans are foundational components of a QSTD, they do not need to be described in detail in the LOI for the Pilot phase of the QSTD project.
Lead PI Curriculum Vitae
Participating Organizations and Senior Project Personnel (2 pages maximum): Include 1) the names, organizations, departments, and e-mail addresses of all senior personnel at partner organizations; and 2) up to four co-PIs including names, organizations, departments, and email addresses. Co-PIs may come from domestic partner organizations.
Budget Overview (1 page maximum): A basic budget outlining project costs is sufficient; detailed OCG budgets are not required.

To access the online application, visit:

Eligibility

An individual may serve as PI or co-PI on no more than one (1) QSTD Pilot proposal. The PI must be a faculty member at the Lead Organization or permanent staff person from a non-profit, non-academic organization with authority to act on behalf of the organization. Co-PIs listed on the Cover Sheet may be from organizations other than the Lead Organization.

Limited Submission Guidelines

Up to one (1) QSTD Pilot proposal may be submitted per Lead Organization.

Award Information and Duration

Anticipated Number of Pilot Awards: 10

Amount: $1M over 12 months

Review Criteria

In addition to the two NSF review criteria (intellectual merit and broader impacts), additional criteria will be used in the review of pilot phase proposals:

technical readiness of the proposed QSTD project;
potential cost of the proposed QSTD project; and
expected QSTD impacts vis-à-vis the goals of the NQVL Program.

��